Big Brown, Big Red and IEAH

[cakes44]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

I'll say one thing else about Gary Stevens......in his prime he was a great rider. One of the best I have ever seen.

Big Brown is the best horse that Gary Stevens has not ridden.

[ELA]

People will laugh at Baffert's comments, just like they laughed at Desormeaux's proclamation (notice how people just aren't laughing quite as hard) -- in part because they think the comments are melodramatic, and in part because I think some people think they know better.

If Big Brown wins the Belmont and retires -- for whatever reason, real, fabricated, or whatever, he will have won the Triple Crown. Put an asterisk next to his name or don't. That's up to you. But it won't change the fact that he won it. If he wins, keeps going, doesn't win, keeps going, etc. -- people will always have an easy target here. The trainer and owners are an easy target, and always will be. If it wasn't that, there are plenty of other aspects that could easily be critisized.

Anyway, here's a horse who is getting this sport and business noticed a bit -- for good reasons and bad. Take what you like and leave the rest.

Eric

[ArlJim78]

Originally Posted by ELA

People will laugh at Baffert's comments, just like they laughed at Desormeaux's proclamation (notice how people just aren't laughing quite as hard) -- in part because they think the comments are melodramatic, and in part because I think some people think they know better.

If Big Brown wins the Belmont and retires -- for whatever reason, real, fabricated, or whatever, he will have won the Triple Crown. Put an asterisk next to his name or don't. That's up to you. But it won't change the fact that he won it. If he wins, keeps going, doesn't win, keeps going, etc. -- people will always have an easy target here. The trainer and owners are an easy target, and always will be. If it wasn't that, there are plenty of other aspects that could easily be critisized.

Anyway, here's a horse who is getting this sport and business noticed a bit -- for good reasons and bad. Take what you like and leave the rest.

Eric

I think we're all aware that if he wins the Belmont he wins the TC. the question here on this thread wasn't about criticism of his owners, it is simply do you feel that comparisons to Secretariat are in order at this point given the mediocre competition he's faced?

jim

[ELA]

Originally Posted by ArlJim78

I think we're all aware that if he wins the Belmont he wins the TC. the question here on this thread wasn't about criticism of his owners, it is simply do you feel that comparisons to Secretariat are in order at this point given the mediocre competition he's faced?

jim

No offense, but I think it's a foolish discussion. The only common element is that they would both be TC winners. If he retires -- no. If he goes on, we'll see. Today? No, I don't think the comparison is anywhere in order.

Just watch what happens if he goes undefeated and wins the BC Classic. Regardless, I don't think Curlin will go, certainly not in an effort to duck Big Brown. If I was the owner of Big Brown, I'd want no part of Curlin right now. Again, regardless, the comparisons to Secretariat, if they one day become remotely valid -- will never be unbiased or unfettered. But as of today, to me it's a non-starter.

Eric

[ArlJim78]

Originally Posted by ELA

No offense, but I think it's a foolish discussion.

Eric

why would I be offended, I wasn't the one who started the thread.

[Cannon Shell]

I'm not sure why they would be concerned with the horses 'value' since the breeding rights have already been sold. If he wins the TC his stud fee wont go up or down no matter what he wins or loses. I cant believe that they can get more than $100k and if he were to win the TC and if he were to get beat in the Travers I cant believe they wouldnt still get the same 100k.